Basel, Switzerland – Football’s long-running legal drama reached its conclusion Tuesday as Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court upheld the acquittal of former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA chief Michel Platini on corruption charges, delivering a final blow to prosecutors’ eight-year pursuit of the case.
The Extraordinary Appeals Chamber in Muttenz confirmed the 2022 not-guilty verdict regarding Blatter’s 2011 authorization of a $2 million payment to Platini, ruling that Swiss federal prosecutors failed to demonstrate criminal intent behind the transaction.
The Controversial Payment
At the heart of the case was Blatter’s approval of funds to Platini for consultancy work allegedly performed between 1999-2002, which investigators argued lacked proper documentation. Both men maintained the payment represented legitimate backpay for Platini’s advisory services during Blatter’s early FIFA presidency.
Emotional Reactions
A visibly emotional Platini, 68, declared to press outside the courthouse: “This verdict erases the stain on my reputation. After nearly a decade of baseless accusations, justice has spoken.” Blatter, 88, appearing via video link due to health concerns, stated: “The court has confirmed what I’ve always said – this was a lawful payment between colleagues.”
Broken Careers, Lasting Impact
The 2015 allegations derailed both men’s careers:
• Both received initial 8-year FIFA bans (later reduced)
• Platini withdrew from the 2016 FIFA presidential race
• Blatter’s 17-year FIFA presidency collapsed
• Triggered sweeping governance reforms across global football
What the Ruling Means
Legal experts note the judgment:
✔ Permanently ends Swiss proceedings (no further appeals allowed)
✔ May influence pending football corruption cases
✔ Leaves FIFA’s 2021 insurance recovery of the $2m unaffected
✔ Maintains both men’s football bans through 2028
